Malachi 3:1-5
1. Look . . . in order to live
Behold! = “You will know it when you see it”
Why must a messenger prepare the way?
2. The current preparations reveal the coming person.
3a. Take God seriously in judgment.
If he were coming as judge only, God’s presence would not be good news for you.
soap / fire:
3b. Take God seriously in promise and purity.
Because he is coming as priest, God’s presence is good news for you!
4. God will judge after he made the sacrifice acceptable.
5. Fear God with ultimate regard.
What does the sorcerer fear? The liar or adulterer, the oppressor?
The Gospel in OT prophecy: prepare yourself to receive the messenger of the covenant who makes you able to be covered by a sacrifice again before the judgment. Prepare him room!
